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U.S. National Accordion News - 01-Feb-2015
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Highlights

Editor's Note
BREAKING NEWS: Passing of Tulio Gasparini
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Walter Kühr, Performer, Bandleader and Accordion Evangelist, Dies at 59
Mary Tokarski New AAA President
Michael Bridge wins University of Toronto Concerto Competition
Tribute to Walter Kuehr on February 1
2015 National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention Theme: Duet Together
Unique Blue Haired Accordionist Joey Cook Success on American Idol
Trio Voronezh to Perform for Michigan Accordion Society
New Accordion CD: "Shine" by Jelena Milojevic
Dr. Schimmel has 4 World Premieres plus a Feature in a Movie
Texas Folklife's 2015 Big Squeeze Contest Coming to the Rio Grande Valley
75th Anniversary ATG Festival Orchestra
Tangonero to Perform for the San Francisco Accordion Club
Nada Lewis to Perform in Berkeley, California on February 4

Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc.

Internal Accordion Construction and Basic Maintenance Seminar
Nick Ariondo in Concert With the Hollywood Studio Symphony Orchestra
Art is Art
Victor Prieto:Performs for Long Island Accordion Alliance, Brooklyn Accordion Club, City Winery
Connecticut Accordion Club Report
Accordions in Ogden, UT
Former Michigan Accordionist is elected into Baseball Hall of Fame
Jay Landers- No Strings Attached
Gary Dahl Releases Individual Title eSheet Music
Hear Beverly & The Accordion's Studio One Set
LIAA Features Manny Corallo and Frank Toscano
Tom Bender's Accordion Accordion Art Piece
Wayward Hearts Band

Future events

MAMTG 2015 Festival
AAMS 2015 Festival Information
President's Welcome to 2015 ATG Festival
Life and Music of Anthony Mecca Presentation at the CAA Feb. 22
AAA Festival July 8-12 in Alexandria, Virgina
2015 American Accordionists' Association Master Class and Concerts
Main Squeeze Orchestra Presents "A Celebration of Walter Kuhr"

Over 2,100 titles of eSheet music, sent to you by email, secure server bank online payment

CD Reviews

According to Amy by Amy Jo Sawyer

Highlights

Accordion Repairs Made Easy by John Reuther

Editor's Note

by Rita Barnea

Welcome to the February USA news! Enjoy! There are so many unique accordion events happening all over the continent!

I appreciate receiving comments and ideas for news articles. We want to know about your concerts, activities, club meetings, etc.

Valentine's Day coming soon. A great opportunity to give your special someone an accordion CD, Book, DVD etc.

How about tickets to an accordion concert?

As always, I can be reached at Ritabelll@aol.com

The Ins and Outs of the Accordion by famous accordion repairer and tuner Thierry Benetoux

BREAKING NEWS: Passing of Tulio Gasparini

by Rita Barnea

Published in The Providence Journal on Feb. 23, 2015

A name synonymous with the accordion, Tulio Gasperini passed away on Friday, February 20, 2015, at the age of 92. He was the beloved husband of Dolores (Brogi) Gasperini for 66 years and resided in Lincoln for 61 years.

Tulio was recognized nationally as a virtuoso artist with a highly personal style, as well as an accomplished composer and educator of classical music. His success stemmed from a lifetime of driving passion devoted to the study of all phases of music and the mastery of the accordion. Born in Pawtucket, RI to Guerrino and Teresa (Eusebi) Gasperini, it was at age 3 that Tulio became mesmerized by his first sighting of an accordion. From then on, he was determined to play the accordion and taught himself to do so at age 4, followed by piano lessons until a reputable accordion teacher could be identified.

Considered a prodigy, Tulio soon became the headliner at many theatre grand openings throughout New England and, by age 6, was featured regularly on WJAR radio from the former Outlet Company's Providence headquarters. In 1938, he came in second place to opera singer Maria Callas on the nationally-syndicated Major Bowes Amateur Hour, American radio's best-known talent show, which was broadcasted from NY's Chrysler Building.

In addition to leading his trio to first place at the 1939 NY World's Fair, Tulio became U.S. champion when he was awarded First Prize National Soloist at the 1941 American Accordion Association (AAA) competition in NY. Subsequently, Tulio was a featured soloist with many society orchestras, such as Don Mario, Ralph Stuart and Byron York, and then attended Boston University though his studies were interrupted by WWII.

From 1943 1946, Tulio served in the U.S. Army and studied at the University of Minnesota and was honored to be inducted into the U.S. Military Intelligence Service to study Japanese at the University of Michigan in preparation for his dispatch to Japan. Fortunately, the War ended and he returned to Boston University and graduated in 1946 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Composition that led to one of his masterpieces, "Symphony Tune-Up," which won national recognition as one of the most original pieces published for the accordion.

Hailed as "a living legend" by former Providence Mayor Vincent Cianci, Tulio established Gasperini Music in his hometown of Pawtucket in 1948. For almost 40 years. Gasperini Music was revered throughout New England for providing weekly music education to more than 500 students for all types of musical instruments as well as a retailer and wholesaler of such instruments. Tulio produced many U.S. champions, one Coupe Mondiale champion (an international competition for accordionists) who placed fourth in the world, as well as a 12-year-old student who performed at The White House for President and Mrs. Clinton.

He was a member of AAA, charter member of the Accordion Teachers Association of MA, and founder and president of the Accordion Teachers Association of RI (ATARI). It was through his perseverance and leadership of ATARI that the accordion became accepted as a major course of study at Rhode Island College;

Tulio joined the faculty and taught music theory and harmony to advanced students. Besides his loving wife, he leaves a son, Tulio G. Gasperini of Lincoln; daughters, the late Holly D. Gasperini of Sarasota, FL and Gail Gasperini of Boston; "adopted" son, Neal P. Roderick of Lincoln; brother, Orlando A. Gasperini and sister-in-law, the late Carmela Gasperini, of Lincoln; nephew Orlando W. Gasperini of Lincoln; grandchildren, Zachary P. Monroe and April B. Monroe of Boston.

Visitation will be at the WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. His funeral, with Military Honors, will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to either the Alzheimer's Association (RI Chapter), 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906, or to The Cancer Center of Memorial Hospital, 111 Brewster Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860, will be most appreciated. TRIPPFUNERALHOME.com

Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA

by Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association

I am writing this on the plane flying internationally to Las Vegas for the Octoberfest Las Vegas International from 15th to 18th October at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas.

Paul Betken & Jerry Cigler are newly added to a great line up of stars (list below) with lots of great seats still available! Want to hop a plane to come and enjoy this exciting festival?

Newsletter (picture right) with full information: 2018LVACnews.pdf
Picture left: Event organizer Paul Pasquali

The lineup starts with visionary accordionist Cory Pesaturo and bookends with a grand finale starring Grayson Masefield and the International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of the legendary Prof. Joan Sommers.

You can register online at www.AccordionStars.com or contact Paul Pasquali, event organizer, by phone at 1-800-472-1695 or (801) 485-5840, email: paul@accordioninfo.com.

Footer Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival

Walter Kühr, Performer, Bandleader and Accordion Evangelist, Dies at 59

by Rita Barnea

Radio Program about Walter Kuehr, click box below on left

This article appeared in the Jauary 8, 2015 New York Times written by Margalit Fox
Photo:Walter Kühr, who opened the Main Squeeze in Manhattan in 1996, playing his favorite accordion.
DON HOGAN CHARLES / THE NEW YORK TIMES

“A gentleman,” a widely repeated anonymous quotation has it, “is a man who can play the accordion but doesn’t.”By those lights, Walter Kühr was unequivocally no gentleman.

Mr. Kühr, who died in Manhattan on Jan. 2, at 59, was for decades an evangelist of the instrument, as a performer, bandleader and owner of the Main Squeeze, a shop on the Lower East Side that he founded, in the words of its website, to meet “all your accordion needs.”

That most of us have accordion needs — unrecognized, untapped and achingly unfulfilled — was Mr. Kühr’s self-appointed mission to impress upon the public. From his boyhood in Germany to the end of his life, he sought to prove that the accordion, long derided, was actually “the hippest instrument on the planet,” as he said in a 2011 interview.

As a performer, Mr. Kühr appeared with the Last of the International Playboys, the nine-piece Latin jazz ensemble he founded, which played in clubs across the country.
As a bandleader, he established the Main Squeeze Orchestra, an all-female, all-accordion ensemble of about 14 that has performed throughout New York City, playing everything from Strauss waltzes to Kinks covers.

As an entrepreneur, he opened the Main Squeeze, at 19 Essex Street, between Hester and Canal Streets, in 1996. Part emporium, part performance space, part conservatory and part hiring hall, the store teaches, tunes, repairs and sells the accordion — prices range from about $100 into the thousands — and has become a mecca for players from around the world.
Accordions can be heard in genres as diverse as jazz, rock, tango, klezmer and zydeco. But as Mr. Kühr well knew, the stigma of the wheezing polka box endures. He was quick to finger its source.
“Blame it on Lawrence Welk,” he told The Star-Ledger of Newark in 1999.

Walter Werner Kühr was born in Hanau, near Frankfurt, on Oct. 10, 1955, and began studying the accordion at about 6 years old. After earning a degree in piano and bassoon from the Musikakademie Frankfurt am Main, he was offered a position as a bassoonist with the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra.
He declined, preferring to make his way as a jazz bassoonist and pianist. Settling in Hamburg, he supported his musical life with a series of odd jobs, among them gravedigger, wine seller aboard a streetcar and janitor in a brothel.

Mr. Kühr moved to New York in the late 1980s to study jazz piano in Harlem, packing his accordion “almost as an afterthought,” his former wife, Claire Connors, said on Wednesday.
The instrument would give him his livelihood, first as a performer on subway platforms and later as a visible, and audible, public ambassador.

Mr. Kühr’s marriage to Ms. Connors ended in divorce. Survivors include his companion, Lauren Schwartz; his mother, Loni; and a brother, Gerhard. At his death — from lymphoma, Ms. Connors said — he lived in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.

The Main Squeeze recently lost its lease and must close by Jan. 15. There are no plans to reopen it elsewhere, Ms. Connors said.

Mary Tokarski New AAA President

by Kevin Friedrich

The American Accordionists' Association is pleased to welcome Mary Tokarski as their new President, taking over from outgoing President Linda Soley Reed, who has remained part of the Executive Team.

A concert accordionist, Mary Tokarski performs both nationally and internationally as a soloist, with Symphony Orchestras, with String Quartets and as a member of various ensembles. Mary has appeared as a soloist with the Prince George’s Philharmonic (Maryland), the Moravian Symphony (Czech Republic), the Auckland Symphony (New Zealand), The Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra (Massachusetts), the Waterbury Symphony (Connecticut), the Bronxville Pops Orchestra (New York), the Hamden Symphony Orchestra (Connecticut) and most recently with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project (Massachusetts).

She’s toured China several times with the Mantovani Orchestra, performing both in the orchestra and as a soloist. She has appeared in the orchestra for the musical “Fiddler On The Roof”, performed with the Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center Orchestra in the full sound track for “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King” complete with the film, and in the Opera “Four Saints In Three Acts” by Virgil Thomson and Gertrude Stein. Mary was also featured in the Westport Country Playhouse production of “Sing For Your Shakespeare” created by Wayne Barker, Mark Lamos and Deborah Grace Winer.

For more than 20 years, Mary served as Director of Music Education at Tokarski Music Center in North Haven, Connecticut, where she taught piano and accordion, conducted the choral and ensemble programs, supervised the pre-school programs, and served as a Music Educator in the North Haven Department of Education's Early Childhood Development Program.

Mary currently teaches accordion and piano at her home in Northford, Connecticut.    In collaboration with Karen Malan-Uribe (an English as a Second Language teacher in the Washington, D.C. area) and fellow AAA officer Joan Geller Grauman (an illustrator/artist from Maryland), Mary selected and recorded the music and narration for the guided reader children’s book “An Accordion! What Is That?” released in 2010, and now in an iBook format!   www.accordionbee.com

 Mary has performed internationally in Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Croatia, the Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland and Switzerland – as well as extensively here in the United States. As a two-time United States Champion she represented the U.S. in the Coupe Mondiale (World Championship) events in Belgium and France. She has served on the Board of Directors for the AAA in multiple capacities, is one of the founders of the Connecticut Accordion Association and is a member and former Executive Officer of the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG). 

 As an educator, Mary presents Workshops and Master Classes on improving musical skills, and coaches on all aspects of performance throughout the U.S. and Canada, and recently at the Peter Soave Music Academy in Sauris, Italy. Sought after for her adjudicating skills, Mary has served numerous associations as a “regular” at festivals around the U.S. as well as serving on prestigious jury panels for world events.

Mary began her music career at the age of 7 with Michael Fernino of Ansonia, Connecticut. During the course of her musical career she has studied theory, performance, ensemble and orchestral training with professors from Yale University, Indiana University, Peabody Conservatory, Boston University, the University of Texas and the University of Denver. In addition, she has had extensive Kindermusik training at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, and Princeton University, and has attended numerous seminars on the psychology of teaching, technics for "special needs" learners, and LOTS of education-related topics!

Mary has the distinction of winning over 185 trophies and awards for her performances in State, Regional, National and International competitions, and was elected to the Who's Who Among America's Teachers in 2002, the Oxford's Who's Who in 1992, was a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow in 2004 and received the AAMS Recognition Award in March 2011.

We congratulate Mary on her new role as AAA President, and we wish her much success as she and her team lead this prestigious organization during the upcoming term of office.

 Note: As Mary begins her new role, we offer our sincerest condolences to her on the sad loss of her devoted husband Frank. Mary had just returned from her concert tour in China with the Mantovani Orchestra to learn of husband's cancer diagnosis and tragically lost him a week later. Family and friends gathered for his beautiful Funeral service in North Haven, CT on January 24th. Our thoughts are with Mary during this difficult time.

Michael Bridge wins University of Toronto Concerto Competition

by Rita Barnea

The University of Toronto, like many music schools, hosts a concerto competition every year to select the soloist(s) that will play with its orchestra in the upcoming concert season. The competition is open to all undergraduate and masters students, including all instrumentalists and vocalists, playing any orchestral work of their choosing.

On the weekend of January 10th and 11th, Michael Bridge progressed through both rounds of the U of T's concerto competition and was selected as one of the four winners who will perform as a soloist with the orchestra during the 2015/16 season.

Michael performed the Italian-America composer Paul Creston's 'Concerto for Accordion & Orchestra' with a piano reduction (by the composer), performed by Dr. Hye Won Cecilia Lee. The date of the orchestral performance will be announced in the coming months.

Widely known in accordion circles as a Canadian Roland digital accordion champion and a high-energy polka-rock entertainer, Michael's driving passions revolve around classical, contemporary and chamber music and the recognition of the accordion as a serious concert instrument.

Michael has studied accordion performance at the University of Toronto with Professor Joseph Macerollo since 2011. In 2015, Michael will graduate with his Bachelor's degree in accordion performance, and plans to continue with a Master's degree next September.

The University of Toronto (currently North America's only degree-granting institution with an accordion department) places a strong emphasis on new music and some unusual classical instruments, including accordion and saxophone.

Michael has had the privilege to premiere over a dozen new works composed by student and professional composers, ranging from duo pieces (acc. & soprano, acc. & harp) to large ensemble and small orchestral works.

The 2015 spring/summer schedule is filling up quickly, and Michael is looking forward to touring through West Virginia, Washington, Quebec, Ontario and Alberta.

For more information about Michael and his upcoming concerts, or to contact him, please visit www.michaelbridgemusic.com

Gary Dahl eSheet music, sent by email, secure bank server system

Tribute to Walter Kuehr on February 1

by Rita Barnea

On Sunday, February 1, 2015 from 9:PM-11:30 PM, a tribute will be presented in memory of the great accordion player and bandleader Walter Kuehr. It's free to get in--and ALL donations you make will go to Walter's family.

The program takes place at The Treehouse at 2A on Avenue A and 2nd Street, SW corner, 2nd Floor in NYC. Presenters include Pat Robinson, Marni Rice, Rachelle Garniez, Yuri Lemeshev, Dmitry and Maria Sokolovsky, Peter Chance, Cecil Hooker, Neil Thomas, Homeboy Steve, and many more. The host is Tom Clark.

2015 National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention Theme: Duet Together

by Norman Seaton, NAA President

March 5 – 7, 2015: Thursday – Saturday:
Arrive on the 4th and Depart on the 8th

Only in Plano, Texas, would any organization dare to build a whole convention around a “pun!”
Duet Together?

National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention duet activities:
• Thursday: Fun-and-EZ Band plus Accordion Orchestra
• Thursday: Group Concerts plus Featured Duets
• Friday: Buffet Concert plus Friday Dance Party
• Saturday: Artist Reception plus Sat. Accordion Concert
• Sharing Time: Conventioneers Learn plus Conventioneers Perform
• Multimedia: Accordion Convention plus Musical Art Show

Accordion Friendly Convention!
That is right, National Accordion Association (NAA) officials are known for seriously promoting the accordion in a friendly and fun manner. Every year, this group works hard as creative thinkers to produce one of the finest accordion conventions anywhere. Be sure to visit the Convention web site to learn all about this wonderful accordion convention.

If you are coming to this convention, send your registration information via mail (with check) and complete the on-line request for a performance time and location using the “Performance Event Interest Survey.”

National Accordion Association (NAA)
http://accordions.com/naa/convention/index.html

James O'Brien eSheet music, emailed to you, secure bank server

Unique Blue Haired Accordionist Joey Cook Success on American Idol

by Rita Barnea

Joey Cook thrilled the judges on Tuesday’s “American Idol” by auditioning with an accordion that complimented her voice quite awesomely.

The blue-haired contestant, a 23-year-old server from Virginia, played “Tallest Man on Earth” on her “squeezebox” as she sang, wowing the panel with her uniqueness, seen both in her unusual voice and her spunky personality. As she continued her performance, Connick whispered to his colleagues, “That could be on the radio right now.”

Keith Urban told her afterward, “Joey, that’s my favorite voice of the whole day. Seriously. We’ve heard some really good singers today.” Lopez agreed, saying to Cook, “You’re so unique and you look like a little doll.” Harry Connick Jr. went on to say, “I think you’re absolutely terrific. I love you. I think you’re wonderful.”

Connick did have one critique, though, saying he wanted to “caution” Cook to not become a “novelty” performer. “But you’re very talented, for sure,” he added. In fact, the judge continued to gush after Cook left the room. “Like, how many times have you seen that but an effort to be that?” he said to Lopez and Urban. “She’s legitimate, that girl. That’s cool.”

Cook was one of a group of contestants selected to audition for the trio in Kansas City, Missouri, after first trying out via the “American Idol” bus tour.

When not working, she’s playing her favorite instrument, the accordion. Her grandfather has always wanted her to audition for American Idol.Without much hesitation, the judges agreed to send an ecstatic Cook to the next round of auditions in Hollywood. AWW will keep you updated on the results.

The Art of Playing the Accordion Artistically by Friedrich Lips

Trio Voronezh to Perform for Michigan Accordion Society

by Rita Barnea

The Michigan Accordion Society is very pleased to announce their February Music Event featuring Trio Voronezh. The concert will be held in conjunction with the Russian Cultural Center of Michigan in celebration of Russian Maslyanitsa, The program takes place on February 21, 2015 at 7:PM at the Shriners Silver Garden Events Center, 24350 Southfield Road, Southfield, MI 48075. Doors open at 6:PM with a happy hour and cash bar.

Trio Voronezh is a musical ensemble that produces incredibly exciting sounds and compelling arrangements of classics across a variety of musical styles, all played upon Russian folk instruments. Trio Voronezh's astonishing virtuosity and delightful artistic innovation give the trio the ability to alter the way audiences experience classical, folk and contemporary repertoire. The diverse repertoire of the Trio includes the works of Vivaldi, Bach, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, and Rachmaninov, as well as Russian folk songs, Argentine tangos, gypsy dance music, bluegrass and popular songs by Gershwin. The ever-expanding concert material is arranged by the members of the Trio, and performed with extraordinary virtuosity and musical lyricism entirely from memory.

The musicians of Trio Voronezh have been playing and performing since they were young children, around the age of six. They continued their classical training and pursued further study at the Conservatory in Voronezh, Russia.

Trio Voronezh made its U.S. debut at the 1996 Oregon Bach Festival. Earning critical praise and held in high regard by the crowds, they were the sleeper-hit of the summer. The musicians were immediately invited to return. They followed with concert appearances in Europe, a music video filmed in the USA and performances in the 1997 and 1999 Oregon Bach Festivals.

The first U.S. tour of the group, in the fall of 1998, began by bringing down the house at NPR's "A Prairie Home Companion" with Garrison Keillor. The Trio went on to perform at Houston's Society for the Performing Arts; the cities of Ann Arbor, Chicago, Portland, and St. Louis; and the Universities of Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, and Los Angeles; as well as Amherst, Dartmouth, New York's Rockefeller University, and Stanford. Topping it off, the Trio Voronezh was signed by the prestigious EMI Angel label, and went into the studio to record their first CD, self-titled, "Trio Voronezh."

The trio made its orchestral debut with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra in a highly successful collaboration with Doc Severinsen. Since then the Trio has performed with major symphony orchestras throughout the U.S., Canada and Russia.

Vladimir Volokhin, Valerie Petrukhin and Sergei Teleshev formed the Trio in 1993. The folk trio named themselves after the working-class city from which they studied and perfected their craft, a city of over a million people, and approximately 350 miles south of Moscow. In 1995, Trio Voronezh sprang onto the international stage after they were discovered playing classical favorites and folk tunes in a Frankfurt, Germany subway station.

Sergei Teleshev won many regional and international accordion competitions and recently became the US V-Accordion Champion by winning 2013 US Roland V-accordion festival.

Valerie Petrukhin has performed with many famous Russian folk orchestras and ensembles and currently is being an honored member of the Sierra Nevada Balalaika Society.

Vladimir Volokhin went on to win the title of National Champion in the All-Russia Domra Competition in 1986 and 1990.

In addition to five Albums released in the following years, the Trio was featured on a 2007 release of "Peter and the Wolf, along with the London Symphony. It was selected by Dr. Toy, Stevanne Auerbach, as one of 2007's "10 Best." Stevanne Auerbach is one of the nation's and world's leading experts on play, toys, and children's product. The recording was also selected by National Parenting Publication Awards "NAPPA Gold Award."

For ticket information: 248-217-4473

For information on Trio Voronezh: info@triovoronezh.com

The Michigan Accordion Society seeks to advance the knowledge and status of the accordion in their communities and beyond by holding Music Events with featured performers each month. They also sponsor concerts, and provide a great network for accordionists to promote and enjoy music.You are welcome to attend their meetings.

For information on the Michigan Accordion Society: jrecchia@comcast.net

New Accordion CD: "Shine" by Jelena Milojevic

by Rita Barnea

Selection of CD sound samples, click left side of box:

Jelena Milojevic, one of North Americas foremost classical accordionists, often praised for her brilliant virtuosity, has plenty of reasons to be happy with her life at the moment. She has recently released a new CD, recently been appointed Artistic Director of the Victoria International Accordion Festival and she is expecting her third child!

The new CD "Shine", features solo arrangements of some of the masterpieces of classical music, such as "Zigeunerweisen" (Gypsy Airs) by P. Sarasate, "Rondo Capriccioso" by F. Mendelssohn, "Hungarian Dance No. 5" by J. Brahms, "October" by P. I. Tchaikovsky. Some sound samples above. This CD has been praised as "the one of the best accordion CD's released in years" by CDBaby.

Track List:
1 Zigeunerweisen, Op.20: Gypsy Airs
2 Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 14
3 Sonata in D Major, K.96, L.465
4 Seasons, Op. 37a: Song of the Autumn (October)
5 Hungarian Dance, WoO 1 No. 5 in in F-Sharp Minor
6 Belorussian Rhapsody: Small River
7 Belorussian Rhapsody: Polka Yanka
8 Chiquilin De Bachin
9 Spanish Dance No. 5
10 Dark Eyes

Another CD by Jelena Milojevic titled "Accordion Noir" will be released soon, featuring original accordion solo and chamber music, including some world premiere recordings.

The Victoria International Accordion Festival, is planning another great accordion celebration from July 15 to 19, in beautiful Victoria BC, Canada. This year, Victoria BC will host accordion ensembles from all over the world, in a new environment, free for the audience. More details on program will be available soon.

Jelena Milojevic, an internationally recognized classical accordionist, winner of the CMA Trophee Mondial 2003, holds a Master's Degree from the Music Academy in Kragujevac, Serbia. Currently, she teaches accordion in Victoria BC, at the Camosun College and private lessons at Tempo Trend Studios.

For further information: contact@bcaccordion.ca

Larry Malmberg eSheet music, sent by email, secure bank server

Dr. Schimmel has 4 World Premieres plus a Feature in a Movie

by Rita Barnea

Dr. William Schimmel’s new work: "Liszt: Vision and
Transformation for Accordion and Piano" had its world
premiere at Mannes College of Music. Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig
was the Pianist and Dr. Schimmel on the Accordion.

Also on the same program which took place on January 23
were two encore which also happened to be world premieres: "Rain in the Gardens" and "Air for the C scale" both composed by Dr. Schimmel.

On February 15, Dr. Schimmel will premiere his new work, "Max to Max for Accordion and Strings" with the North South Consonance Orchestra under the direction of Max Lifchitz. This event will take place at Christ and St. Stephen’s Church in Manhattan.

Dr. Schimmel is featured in the new film, "The Humbling" starring Al Pacino. The film was directed by Barry Levinson and the music was composed by Marcelo Zarvos. This is Dr. Schimmel’s third collaboration with Marcelo Zarvos, the first being "The Beaver" starring Mel Gibson directed by Jodie Foster, the second being "Ray Donovan", the TV series starring Lev Schreiber.

For further information: billschimmel@billschimmel.com

Gary Daverne CD's and eSheet music available online

Texas Folklife's 2015 Big Squeeze Contest Coming to the Rio Grande Valley

by Sheree Scarborough

Ninth annual competition invites young Accordion Players to Showcase their talent and to compete for one of three titles of the Big Squeeze Grand Prize Winner

Free Talent Showcase to be held at the La Joya Independent School District Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 7

Austin, Texas – January 26, 2015 – Texas Folklife is pleased to announce its ninth annual Big Squeeze accordion contest for up-and-coming Texas musicians, 21 years of age or younger. The contest is one of the ways in which Texas Folklife carries out its mission to preserve and promote Texas’s diverse cultural heritage. The contest recruits players in all genres of the Lone Star State’s accordion-based music, including German, Czech, and Polish polka; Creole, Cajun, and zydeco; and conjunto, norteño, and Tejano.

The contest takes to the road this spring in order to meet young accordion players in their communities and see them perform in talent showcases. On Saturday, February 7, the Big Squeeze arrives in the Rio Grande Valley hosted by the La Joya Independent School District. The talent showcase will be held at the Performing Arts Center on the grounds of La Joya High School from 10:00 a.m. until noon (mariachi practice room.)

It is free and open to the public. Interested players are encouraged to reserve a showcase slot by contacting Texas Folklife. Those who cannot attend the showcase may also mail or e-mail their entries to arrive at Texas Folklife no later than March 30, 2015. The complete contest rules and entry forms are available online at www.texasfolklife.org or by calling (512) 441-9255.

Saturday afternoon following the showcase, La Joya ISD will present their spring conjunto festival from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door and will be $6.00 each. The Conjunto Festival will feature La Joya High School Conjunto “Los Diamantes,” J.V. Conjunto “Acordeones de Oro,” Palmview High School Conjunto “La Tradicion & the Silver Bullet Band,” and Juarez Lincoln High School Conjunto “Sol.”

There will be nine finalists (three from each genre—conjunto, zydeco, and polka) chosen from the field of performers at the showcases, and those who send in their performances to Texas Folklife, by a panel of esteemed music professionals.

Accordionists will be judged on their technical proficiency—skill in playing, and technical and musical accuracy—as well as their song interpretation (stylistic choices, innovation, and originality) and stage presence (level of comfort on stage and attention to personal appearance). The finalists will be announced on April 3.

The finalists will perform at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin on Saturday, April 25, at a free concert and playoff. Three Grand Prize Winners will be selected. There will be one winner for each accordion category—polka, zydeco, and conjunto. All three winners will perform at Texas Folklife’s highly acclaimed annual Accordion Kings & Queens Festival at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre on Saturday, June 6, 2015, with Texas roots music accordion stars and legends.

The three Big Squeeze Grand Prize Winners will receive a prize package valued at more than $4,000, including a cash prize, a brand new Hohner accordion, performance opportunities in Austin and Houston, publicity, professional development, and other professional opportunities.

“We are excited to be kicking off our 2015 Big Squeeze season in La Joya,’” says Executive Director Cristina Ballí. “The Rio Grande Valley is home to a strong and vibrant conjunto community, and has contributed many contestants and Grand Prize Winners to the Big Squeeze contest over the years. We are truly gratified and humbled to play a role in preserving this traditional music of Texas.”

The Big Squeeze is supported by the members and Board of Texas Folklife and by Hohner, Inc.; by grants from Texas Commission on the Arts, the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division, the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, the Houston Endowment, and Texas Gas Service. Additional support is provided by regional businesses including Hacienda Records, and Frank+Victor Design.

About Texas Folklife
Texas Folklife is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and preserving the diverse cultures and living heritage of the Lone Star State. For 30 years, Texas Folklife has honored the authentic cultural traditions passed down within communities, explored their importance in contemporary society, and celebrated them by providing accessible and joyful arts experiences.
www.texasfolklife.org

1317 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78704
T (512) 441-9255
F (512) 441-9222

La Joya Independent School District Performing Arts Center
La Joya High School
604 North Coyote Avenue
La Joya, Texas 78560
(956) 580-5100
LJHS Fine Arts Department for information about the Conjunto Festival: (956) 580-5160

Media information: Sheree Scarborough (512) 922-5483 / sheree.scarborough@gmail.com
Big Squeeze information: Tomas Salas (512) 441-9255 / bigsqueeze@texasfolklife.org

75th Anniversary ATG Festival Orchestra

by Joan C. Sommers

Plan NOW to take part in this very special orchestra!

This year, because of the special 75th Anniversary Celebration, the ATG is happy to present a Festival Orchestra with at least one member from every state in the union as well as all of its many friends from Canada, Austria, China, and other countries. The repertoire will include an exciting new Stas Venglevski composition, RONDO-FANTASY, featuring the composer as soloist, and the world-famous and very well-known standard orchestral piece, THE MOLDAU by Friedrich Smetana, as arranged by ATG founder Emeritus President Anthony Galla-Rini, who truly pioneered the art of symphonic arrangements for accordion orchestra, plus one other short selection. There will be a part for YOU in every piece!

YOU will want to play with the Festival Orchestra on the Saturday evening final concert of the 2015 ATG Festival celebrating 75 years. YOU may also help spread the word to all of your accordion friends throughout the USA that this very special Festival Orchestra wants them to come represent their state. Let’s see how many states we can have represented in this always popular orchestra. There will be a part YOU and your friends can play! Add your state to the growing list of participants now. Remember this is the ATG’s 75th Anniversary Celebration and YOU will want to be performing with the Festival Orchestra as it opens the Gala Saturday Evening Final Concert. Help ATG find players from every state. Let ATG show there are accordionists all over the USA. Be the first to sign up from YOUR state! Send a message now to: joansommers@kc.rr.com Let her begin planning your parts right now. Which state will have the most members represented? Help your state be the big WINNER. How many accordionists do YOU know in YOUR state? ATG President has promised that the earlier YOU registered and signed up to play in the Festival Orchestra, the earlier you will receive your special orchestra parts to begin learning your parts.

There will be the normal morning rehearsals on Thursday and Friday, a final rehearsal on Saturday afternoon, followed by the concert that evening. As usual, you must plan to attend every rehearsal. Music will be sent to you several weeks before the first rehearsal. No instruments will be furnished by the ATG so you will need to bring your own or make arrangements to borrow one from a friend. Let ATG know that YOU will be there to help make the 75th Anniversary Celebration a magnificent music experience for every attendee!

The 2015 Accordionists and Teachers Guild 75th Anniversary Festival begins on the evening of Wednesday, July 22, and runs through the evening of Saturday, July 25, in Lisle, IL (Chicago). There will be Concerts, Exhibits, Workshops, Demonstrations, Jam Sessions and Competitions at all levels. The ATG is a non-profit educational organization devoted to the accordion. It is for all accordionists, young and old, not just teachers or professionals! You will have a good time at the Festival. Details are being added to the website almost daily!

For complete information regarding the ATG 75th Anniversary Festival, please see:
www.accordions.com/ATG

Amy Jo Sawyer CD titled According to Amy

Tangonero to Perform for the San Francisco Accordion Club

by Rita Barnea

The San Francisco Accordion Club is pleased to welcome Tangonero back on stage at the San Francisco Accordion Club. Tangonero is an Argentine Tango band based in San Francisco that specializes in classic tango — a genre that fuses intense passion with quiet tenderness, alternating sharp percussive rhythms with slow nostalgic melodies. It squeezes your heart to tears and then sets your feet to dancing.

Tha band will perform on Sunday February 15, 2015 at 2:PM at The Oyster Point yacht Club, 911 Marina Blvd., South San Francisco.

The ensemble features Alex Roitman on bandoneon, Michele Walther on violin, Jacob Johnson on double bass and Zac Selissen on guitar.

For further information: info@sfaccordionclub.com

Nada Lewis to Perform in Berkeley, California on February 4

by Rita Barnea

On Feb.4, 2015 Le Bateau Ivre welcomes accordionist Nada Lewis and violinist Jon Schreiber. Come join them this Wednesday to enjoy some wonderful music including Italian, Romanian, French, Brazilian choro, and Eastern European mix.

Nada plays many different instruments- keyboard, percussion, wind and strings. The accordion is her main instrument. Accordionist Nada Lewis plays music from France, Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, Ireland, Russia, Ukraine, Middle East, Israel, Serbia/Macedonia, Romania, Greece, Latin America, Gypsy, Brazilian choro, Scandinavian; Klezmer, and other music.

She plays solo or with a band of up to 6 people, including violinist, bass, clarinet, guitar, balalaika/domra, cimbalom (hammered dulcimer), percussion, vocals. She has a world music booking agency (Folkloric Productions) and can help you with other types of music as well

Nada teaches accordion, and also leads folk orchestral ensemble workshops at music camps. She has recorded on a number of albums she produced (6) as well as playing on other musicians' projects. She is well known in the greater San Francisco bay area as a musician and as a performer at weddings, parties and theme events.

Her performance groups have included Silver String Macedonian Band, Hatsegana, Balkan Pacific, Panacea, The Klezmorim, Troika Balalaikas, Taverna.

Le Bateau Ivre is located at 2629 Telegraph Avenue , Berkeley, California.
Delicious dinners, desserts, and beverages of all kinds. TavernaDinner seating begins at 5:PM. The performance is from 7-9:PM. No cover charge. Come early for a good seat.

For further information:
Phone: 510-243-1122 folkloric@value.net

Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc.

Internal Accordion Construction and Basic Maintenance Seminar

by Kevin Friedrich

The Accordion-Concertina Repair and Technicians’ School and A World of Accordions Museum, 1401 Belknap St., Superior, WI 54880, under the direction of Helmi Strahl Harrington, Ph.D. announce an Accordion Specialty Seminar: Internal Accordion Construction and Basic Maintenance. The Seminar will be held on February 22, 2015 from 2.00 - 6.00 PM with the attendance fee of $100.00.

This is an uncommon opportunity to learn at the only accordion research and specialty center in the USA. The emphasis will be on basic repairs, tuning, organologic classifications.

Have you ever wondered why some accordions are extraordinarily expensive, and others are not? Sometimes the brand- and model-name really matters, but not always. Some instruments escalate in value comparable to stock-market investments while others only depreciate. How do you know when you have a good one? How do you know what not to buy? What capacities must the accordion have in order to fulfill your performance goals? What can you do to maintain or enhance your accordion’s quality; what should only an expert undertake?

In this four-hour session you will learn about all seven major categories of accordion-family instruments from selected instruments in the Museum collection. You will have the opportunity to learn about basic repairs, tunings, construction refinements, efficiency, and pricing values. You will have the opportunity to experience some of the accordion types, in various construction styles and brands of manufacture. You may bring your own instrument for assessment.

CONSTRUCTION BASICS and BASIC REPAIRS
The accordions and concertinas preserved in A World of Accordions Museum show the entire history of the development of the instrument family, the construction types, innovations, tunings, performance capabilities, and content variations. Understanding of the characteristics all accordions have in common, the basic principles on which they work, the component parts of how they work comprise your first insights into repair and maintenance as we investigate chosen instruments.

Students will observe the necessary tools of the trade (bring your favorite hand-tools if you choose to disassemble your own instrument). Topics that will be covered include the following: basic cleaning and maintenance, sectional disassembly, treble and bass machine adjustments, reed waxing and aperture leathers replacement, bellows repair, gasketry, grills, and celluloid/cosmetic work.

TUNING IN THEORY AND PRACTICE
Many people have unclear or mistaken ideas concerning tuning and reeds, and appropriate terminology. Students of the seminar discover many factors that are involved in reed-quality classifications and how they affect the instrument and the player. Reed banks vs reed blocks, "dry" (concert) tuning, "wet" (musette) tuning are topics that will be explained. You will have the opportunity to try your hand at tuning a reed.

HISTORICAL CLASSIFICATION and QUALITY-CATEGORIES
The class will learn the salient characteristics of the two large divisions within the accordion family of instruments: chromatic and diatonic. Chromatic accordions include piano accordions, button chromatic accordions, English concertina and Chromatic Bandonion. Diatonic accordions include button diatonics in one-row through four-row varieties, Anglo concertina, Chemnitz concertina, and Bandoneon. Some of the most popular hybrid instruments will also be mentioned. The five categories of quality-definition, "world-class"- "fine"-"professional"-"intermediate"- "student," instruments will be surveyed, attending to specific criteria of construction and artistic capacities. Basic principles of music theory, directed toward understanding instrument construction, will be reviewed. Recognition of construction eras, brand names and countries of origin will be stressed. Pricing and appraising will also be discussed.

Admission to this seminar is limited. Please register by February 15, 2015 by sending us your contact information and check or money order for $100.00. Some specialty tools are available for purchase at the seminar, as well as the book 'Inside the Accordion'.

You may reach the director, Dr. Helmi Strahl Harrington by phone (Museum landline 715-395-2787 or cell 218-393-0245) or by e-mail at accordion@sprynet.com

Nick Ariondo in Concert With the Hollywood Studio Symphony Orchestra

by Rita Barnea

Highly regarded Nick Ariondo was featured with the Hollywood Studio Symphony Orchestra at a one-time orchestra performance of the award winning Godfather film (Part 1).

Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece film was screened as the Hollywood Studio Symphony performed Nino Rota’s timeless score live, conducted by Justin Freer. The concert was held on 24th January at the Nokia Theatre, LA Live, in downtown Los Angeles.

Nick Ariondo is an accordionist-composer who has worked with music icons ranging from Paul McCartney to Plácido Domingo. A double Grammy Award winner with the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, Ariondo became the first American to be awarded Italy’s coveted Ancona Prizemfor his “Kalamatiano for Viola & Free-bass Accordion” (ACCO-Music Publishing).

He is also the only accordionist-composer to receive 25 consecutive awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers for both his compositions and performances. Equally proficient in a diversity of musical styles, ranging from classical to jazz and world ethnic to modern contemporary, Ariondo has won accolades from noted composers, conductors and musicians alike. Willard “Bill” Palmer, historian, pianist, accordionist, composer and editor for Alfred Music Publishing, nominated Ariondo for inclusion in the celebrated list, the International Who's Who in Music.

Ariondo's media credentials are also significant and he has appeared in various publications, including the Los Angeles Times,Keyboard Magazine, Accordion Arts Magazine, Five Hundred Leaders of Influence, Strings Magazine and the Journal of the American Viola Society.

The Keyboard Magazine's article stated that "Ariondo's skills as a composer and arranger contribute enormously to the effectiveness of his performances." A pioneer in his field, Nick Ariondo continues to inspire audiences while exploring new avenues and innovative techniques through his music.

Equally proficient in musical styles ranging from the great classics to modern contemporary, ethnic and jazz, Mr. Ariondo has won accolades from noted composers, conductors, and musicians alike. Ariondo, a member of several composers' organizations and director of THE NICK ARIONDO CHAMBER ENSEMBLE , has received grants from various funding sources including:  
Patroness Mrs. Betty Freeman
The National Endowment for the Arts
The California Arts Council
The White Light Foundation
ASCAP
The Beyond Baroque Foundation

Numbered among Ariondo's professional appearances, are many performances for radio and television. His versatility also includes technical expertise on piano and electronic keyboards.

Mr. Ariondo received his Master of Arts degree in performance and composition from CSULA.   A pioneer in his field, Nick Ariondo continues to inspire audiences while exploring new avenues and innovative techniques through his music.

For further information:
accomusic@nickariondo.com

The International Trio, CD Available online, secure server

Art is Art

by Sharon Seaton, Ed.D.

For the first time ever, the National Accordion Association is featuring an art show at its 2015 convention. In order to maintain the integrity of our convention as a musical event, we are specifying that visual art submitted for display have a musical theme. The accordion does not have to be present in the work; indeed, a musical instrument is not even a requirement. What is necessary is that the work project some sense of music or movement—and that is quite subjective. We encourage creativity!

Why art? And why not? After all, all art forms—music, visual art, dancing, theater-- are an expression of our emotions and imagination. Visual art of every kind enables the artist to release his/her passions into a tangible form. While many of those attending the convention may not actively work as visual artists, they can view the works displayed and delight in what they see. Some will take time to interpret what they think the artist intended; others may simply savor the shapes and colors without trying to find a particular meaning.

I once knew a man whose doctoral dissertation was an investigation into whether children who were gifted in one art medium were gifted in another. His research indicated that his hypothesis was correct, that a child who had musical talent often was gifted in visual arts, too. Why might this be? I think the ability to release his emotions through art and not to be afraid to express himself is one explanation. Whether painting a colorful landscape or playing a Chopin nocturne at the piano, having the ability to articulate the details of the art or the music in a way that expresses his passion, he is creating something beautiful and meaningful.

A big benefit of any art form is to allow the artist, composer, performer, or patron of the arts to indulge in play. To relax, to enjoy oneself, to dream a bit is far more important than we as adults like to admit. Art in whatever medium is an expression pouring from our very souls. Accordionists and guests will be doing that all weekend at the convention in March.

About Sharon Seaton:
Sharon Seaton has played accordion since 1981 and is an active professional accordionist in the Dallas, Texas, area. She performs at private parties, corporate events, and restaurants and specializes in music with a European flavor. She also is a professional pianist, primarily in churches, and also serves as keyboardist each year for El Centro College’s commencement.

Sharon is an adjunct faculty member at El Centro College, teaching private piano, musicianship, group piano, and introduction to computing. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the University of North Texas and a Doctor of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University.

In addition to her musical activities, Sharon enjoys painting in watercolors. She and husband Norman are continually looking for art galleries and artist studios to visit wherever they may travel. They seem to find them in both large cities and small towns everywhere. And they always have wonderfully interesting people to visit with and learn more about art!

For more information: natlaccordion@sbcglobal.net

See the article on the NAA Convention March 5-7, 2015 in this months USA news.

Victor Prieto:Performs for Long Island Accordion Alliance, Brooklyn Accordion Club, City Winery

by Rita Barnea

The next meeting of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) sponsored by La Villini Restaurant is on Wednesday, February. 4, 2015 at 6 PM.

This is the fourth year of celebrating the accordion on Long Island. The LIAA features wonderful accordionists and an evening of camaraderie among accordionists and lovers of accordion music.

Come and enjoy the festive music of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) and February's featured guest artist "Grammy Award" nominee Victor Prieto.

Victor Prieto is a native of Galicia, Spain born in the town of Orense in 1975. At the age of nine Victor was encouraged by his mother to study the accordion-an instrument deeply ingrained in Galician folklore. Studying classical accordion at the Orense Conservatory Victor understood its immense potential. At Estudio Escola de Musica (Santiago de Compostela, Spain) Victor branched out from the classical education by studying harmony, arrangement and improvisation.

In 1998 Victor received a scholarship from Berklee College of Music. There he majored in performance under the direction of Joanne Brackeen. In 2002 Victor moved to New York where he quickly established himself as one of the most prolific and versatile accordionists on the World-music and Jazz scenes.

Victor Prieto has changed the way musicians and spectators view accordion by revolutionizing both technique and sound. His love for the traditional Galician music and classical education enriches his compositions with explosive rhythm and colors uniquely combining Galician Roots, Celtic, Brazilian, Jazz, Tango, and Classical music. Victor also developed a new technique for the accordion called “chord approach on both hands that creates rich and elaborate harmonies.

Victor performed and recorded with Yo-Yo Ma (Songs of Joy and Peace, Sony BMG Masterworks. "2010 Grammy Winning Album"), Arturo O'Farrill Latin Jazz Orchestra, Billy Hart, Paquito D’Rivera, Chris Cheek, Donny McCaslin, Lionel Louke among others and is involved in projects such as Christian Howes Group, Cristina Pato and Migrations, Emilio Solla’s Jazz Tango conspiracy and The Maria Schneider Orchestra.

As a leader Victor has performed at prestigious venues and events such as Berklee Performance Center, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Blue Note NY, New Jersey Performance Art Center, Three Rivers Musical Festival, Williamsburg Jazz Festival, Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

He teaches Master Classes in US Berklee College of Music, "Playing outside the Box", Spain, Italy, Portugal and has headed the jazz accordion studies at the Brooklyn Conservatory (2003 – 2004). Some of Victor’s awards and prizes are: The Creative Performer award from the Spanish Association of Artists and Performers, and the first prize at CMZK’s Concourse of Composition.

Spanish-born accordionist Victor Prieto is well known for his jazz performances in New York, where he now lives. He has been described by the New York Times as “a fiendishly skilled accordionist and composer”.

The LIAA, Long Island Accordion Alliance program on Feb.4:

Place: La Villini Restaurant
288 Larkfield Road.
East Northport, NY 11731
631 261 6344

For more information on LIAA: dkarcic10@verizon.net

Victor Prieto leads a workshop, ‘Playing Outside the Box’, at Brooklyn Accordion Club on Sunday February 8th from 2-4:PM. The Brooklyn Accordion Club meets at 61 Local, 61 Bergen St., Brooklyn, New York.

2:00-3:00 Performances (calling for performers! Beginners/first timers welcome!)
3:00-4:00 Participatory workshop - "Playing outside the Box" by 2015 Grammy nominated accordionist, Victor Prieto

B.Y.O.A! Bring Your Own Accordion!
This workshop is open to all levels. No accordion? Enjoy the performances/lecture!

Still calling for performers! Willing to volunteer as MC?

Reminder: March meeting will be on Thursday, March 5th at 7pm-9pm at 61 Local. First evening meeting! Presentation on Forró by Uri Sharlin. Mark your calendar!
For further information email: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com

Victor will also be featured on Sunday, February 15, 2015 at 11:AM at the City Winery, 155 Varick Street, New York, NY.  The brunch menu on Sunday mornings is available from 10:AM to 2:PM. Please note that the live music is played from 11:AM to 2:PM with a short break in the middle.

Connecticut Accordion Club Report

by Marilyn O'Neil, Youth Involvement Program Coordinator

The CTA event on January 25, 2015 was a great success. CTA president, Marilyn O"Neill said, "The opening act consisted of a trio made up of Bob Vitale, Ralph Corbo on bass guitar and Jack Varanelli on Drums. They played "Besame Mucho", "Embraceable You" and "Autumn Leaves" and they produced a rich, warm blend of sound that was well received and appreciated by a crowd of nearly 65 people.

Our featured artist, Eddie Monteiro, was joined by Varanelli on drums, and another special guest artist, Mitchell Guido, on sax.This trio met each other for the first time today....and blew the crowd away!

How to describe Eddie's brilliance??? He is a genius. The people in the audience liked the combination of the 2 of them, but being accordion aficionados,they were really studying Eddie's
technique, and recognizing him for the master of jazz that he is.Clearly, they realized, as I did once again, that we were being treated to a once in a lifetime performance by a jazz accordionist who is unmatched in terms of his talent."

Mitch was clearly in awe of Eddie, and very grateful to have the
opportunity to learn from him, and play alongside him. Mitch is 21 years old, a Music Ed student at Queens College. He has been a participant in the AAA's Youth Involvement Program for the last 2 years. In 2013, Mitch played under the direction of Joe Cerrito, who later invited Mitch to join him when he was a guest artist at a CAA meeting in the fall following the AAA Festival. Mitch rejoined the Youth Involvement Program last summer under the direction of Vladimir Mollov.

The trio played the following selections, complementing each other superbly, though they'd just met only half an hour before they performed together:

1. Here's That Rainy Day
2. Triste
3. Body And Soul
4. All The Things You Are
5. Cute
6. In A Sentimental Mood
7. Bebe by Hermeto Pascoal followed by A.C. Jobim's " One Note Samba "

They delivered a jaw dropping performance. In the audience was young Will Comer, age 16, who participated with Mitch in last year's Youth Involvement Program. Mitch also participated in the Litchfield Jazz Festival's Youth Camp last summer as a pianist and accordionist. He was so inspired by this performance! Such an opportunity for young musicians to learn from seasoned accordion artists like Eddie.

The CTA next meeting is a presentation about Anthony Mecca. See article in this publication for details.

Photo of accordionist Eddie Monteiro, percussionist Jack Varinelli, saxophonist Mitchell Guido

For further information: caa@ctaccordion.com

Accordions in Ogden, UT

by Kevin Friedrich

The 29th Annual Hof Winterfest took place in Ogden, UT from January 16-17, 2015. The celebration is an annual event, celebrating the sister cities of Hof (Germany) and Ogden. The partnership was initially formed in 1954 as one of the first Sister-City relationships created between the United States and Germany after World War II.

Among the several groups of accordionists performing at the festival which also iuncluded Euroherz-Musikanten and Salberger Echo, was an outstanding accordion Quintet from the Hof Accordion Orchestra which is part of the Music School of the Hofer Symphoniker.

The Hof Accordion Orchestra has toured the USA on numerous occasions, most recently during the AAA and ATG hosted Coupe Mondiale in Alexandria, VA. They recently celebrated their 30th Anniversary Concert in Hof, which included all former players, including New York based accordionist Kevin Friedrich, who has performed as a member of the orchestra on several occasions.

The Hof Quintet performing under the festival name Schnitz and Baggeria comprised Carolin Jeremias, Julian Feulner, Adrian Stieglitz, Johannes Dimmling and Christoph Plass. They performed a variety of popular German favorites as well as music from one of their musical inspirations The Motion Trio. The Golden Spike Event Center was filled to capacity and even attracted city officials from Hof, Germany including their Mayor Dr. Harald Fichtner.

The annual event falls in January each year, and attracts participants from around the country and overseas. For more information, please visit www.HOFgermanfest.com

Bottom photo: Carolin Jeremias, Kevin Friedrich, Julian Feulner and Johannes Dimmling (standing).Front: Christoph Plass and Adrian Stieglitz.

Carolin Jeremias, Kevin Friedrich, Julian Feulner and Johannes Dimmling (standing).Front:Christoph Plass and Adrian Stieglitz.

Former Michigan Accordionist is elected into Baseball Hall of Fame

by Rita Barnea

Former Michigan Accordionist, John Smoltz, was elected into Baseball Hall of Fame on January 6, 2015.

Joe Recchie President of the Michigan Accordion Society says "I am very proud of my Cousin John Smoltz who was offically elected into baseball's Hall of Fame this afternoon on his very first year ballot!

John is the second Michigan born Baseball player to be elected into the Hall of fame in 66 years! The first previous Michigan Born Hall of famer was John's Cousin who was Detroit Tiger great Charlie Gerhingher! Very impressive accomplishment and very proud to be a blood relative and also proud that he is also an Accordionist!, this will be a great celebration."

Mike Axia, CBS Baseball writer said, "The Baseball Writers Association of America announced this year's four-player Hall of Fame class, which includes Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Craig Biggio and John Smoltz. The actual induction ceremony will be held in July.

While all four players were obviously all-time greats well-deserving of being elected into the Hall of Fame, Smoltz deserves some special recognition. Why? Because he is the first pitcher to make the Hall of Fame after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Now, there is a catch here. Smoltz is not the first player in the Hall to Fame to have Tommy John surgery. Paul Molitor had the procedure as well, but he is a position player. Smoltz is the first pitcher in the Hall of Fame to have had Tommy John surgery. Smoltz had his elbow rebuilt back in 2000, right smack in the prime of his career."

For more info please visit:
http://abcnews.go.com/…/johnson-martinez-smoltz-biggio-elec…
http://www.freep.com/…/john-smoltz-hall-fame-voti…/20943059/

Jay Landers- No Strings Attached

by Jay Landers

Friday and Saturday, January 23 and 24, 2015, Jay Landers brought his Excelsior 960 onstage to blend with the brass and woodwinds of the Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra, conducted by their Music Director, Alastair Willis.

This was a rare occurrence for both the orchestra and Landers, who has played in a number of musical theatre pit orchestras, but only three times onstage with a full orchestra or wind ensembles. This “No Strings Attached” program theme was extremely rare in the 22 seasons of the ISO’s existence. Maestro Willis is in his third season with the organization.

Jay Landers has played the piano accordion continuously since 1958, when he began lessons at Central Conservatory of Music in his native Louisville, Kentucky. He and his wife and children moved to Springfield, Illinois, in 1997.

The ISO Chamber winds maintained a rigorous rehearsal and concert schedule over three days. Throughout its 22 seasons the concerts have been divided between Springfield and Bloomington-Normal, due to the ISO’s formation from the consolidation of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Association and the Bloomington-Normal Symphony Society.

Friday evening there were two concerts at 6pm and 8pm, in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church, Springfield. Saturday evening’s performance at 7:30, took place in the sanctuary of the Second Presbyterian Church, Bloomington. There were approximately 200 patrons in the audience at each concert.

The entire program consisted of:
“Sonata plan’ e forte” Giovanni Gabrieli
“Serenade in E-flat Major, Op 7” Richard Strauss
“La Perl: Fanfare” Paul Dukas
“Symphonies of Wind Instruments (1947 version” Igor Stravinsky
“Klein Dreigroschenmusik” Kurt Weill

Okay, what was that last one, again? “Little Threepenny Music: Suite from ‘Threepenny Opera’”. The enduring melody from this is “Mack the Knife”! This is the piece on the program that required guest players, and there were five of them clustered on Stage Right: piano, tympani, percussion, banjo/guitar and accordion. Landers had a few lines in the Overture and Finale, but the primary reason for being was the “Tango Ballad”. The accordion’s personality was distinctly audible throughout this movement.

Jay Landers can be reached at jayloringlanders@outlook.com .

Gary Dahl Releases Individual Title eSheet Music

by Harley Jones

Over the last 12 months, composer, arranger, teacher and performer Gary Dahl has released 7 eBooks.

In these 7 eBooks were a number of new arrangements and Gary Dahl for 2015 has now released these so that you can purchase them individually as well.

These are:

eBook titles are:
DH01-eB - Latin Spectacular! Collection #1- eBook
DH02-eB - Favourite French Standards Collection #2 - eBook
DH03-eB - The American Songbook Collection #3- eBook
DH04-eB - Favourite Waltzes and Polkas Collection #4 - eBook
DH05-eB - Easy Listening Variety Collection #5 - eBook
DH06-eB - Easy Listening Variety Collection #6 - eBook
DH07-eB - Traditional Polish Carols #7 - eBook

There is a special for clients wanting to purchase all 7 eBooks at: DH01-07eB

Sounding Out the Accordion by Thierry Benetoux

Hear Beverly & The Accordion's Studio One Set

by Harley Jones

From Iowa Public Radio.

The Iowa band Beverly and the Accordion performed live in IPR'S Cedar Falls studios on January 13. The six-piece group played songs from their new release The Porch Sessions, and more. An appreciative hometown audience responded enthusiastically to Beverly and the Accordion's Americana-flavored music. And yes, an accordion can be heard in the mix!

LIAA Features Manny Corallo and Frank Toscano

by Dominic Karcic

Manny Corallo, Frank Toscano, Sam Endrizzi

Manny Corallo and Frank Toscano were the featured guest artists at the January 7th, 2015 - Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) meeting at La Villini Restaurant, East Northport, NY.

Their expertly executed renditions of selections like Hungarian Dance #5, Tico Tico, Cakewalk, Parisienne Polka, La Vie En Rose and Roman Guitar were greatly appreciate by the many accordion fans that filled the restaurant.

Once again a Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) event attracted a capacity crowd and the LIAA was off to a terrific start for the new year.

The LIAA's next event on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 will feature the "Grammy nominee" Victor Prieto. See article in USA news this month.

Picture: Frank Toscano (left) Sam Endrizzi (center), Manny Corallo (right)

For further information: dkarcic10@verizon.net

Tom Bender's Accordion Accordion Art Piece

by Harley Jones

Tom Bender, renowned art photographer, was recently commissioned to do an accordion art piece by Armando for his wife Beverly. Beverly has been playing accordions for many years; the accordions in the image “Beverly G” are one of her first instruments and her latest digital instrument. The finished piece is a gallery wrap canvas 35X20.

Other Tom Bender images (not accordion) at: www.tombenderimages.com/

Wayward Hearts Band

by Rita Barnea

The Wayward Hearts are an Americana styled band from Vancouver, B.C. Formed in the summer of 2013 by Bradley Damsgaard and Leah Barley as an acoustic side project for them to sing country songs together, it soon grew into a full six piece band adding Tim Mathias on Bass, Jim Favaro on electric accordion, Kirk Douglas on drums and Emily Helsdon on violin.

The band released their debut EP in May 2014 are set to record a full length album later this year.

The Wayward Hearts are inspired by fine hats, Old Testament exuberance, Gothic Americana, Alphonse Mucha, tambourines, mountain music, worn-out boots, dustiness, cheap whiskey, causing a ruckus and telling a good story about it.

Accordionist Jim Favaro started playing the accordion at the age of eight. He said, " I enjoy performing and helping people discover the beauty of the accordion."

Future events

MAMTG 2015 Festival

by Rita Barnea

The 2015 MAMTG Festival will be held at The Hanover Marriott Hotel, 1401 Route 10 East, Whippany, NY 07981. (973) 538-8811 (800) 228-9290
  Make Reservations by March 1, 2015
 Special MAMTG Rate - $99.00  Must mention MAMTG for this rate.

The MidAtlantic Accordion Virtuoso Championship will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015 at 6:PM at the Hanover Marriot Hotel.There will be cash awards.

MAMTG Mission
The Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild (MAMTG) was founded by a group of professional music educators from the Tri-State area to establish and maintain high professional teaching and ethical standards, exchange music-related ideas, information and fellowship among colleagues, promote music education in our area, and to provide a platform for area music students to display their talents in a competitive environment. The Guild has been recognized as a viable musical organization throughout the entire Mid-Atlantic and New England States.

For further information:
mamtg@hotmail.com
Phone: (732) 762-6769

AAMS 2015 Festival Information

by Rita Barnea

The AAMS Festival will be held from March 27-29, 2015a theta Hanover Marriott, 1401 State route 10, Whippany, New Jersey. There will be two fabulous concerts, ten workshops, and an honoree banquet.

2015 GUESTS OF HONOR FOR AMERICAN ACCORDION MUSICOLOGICAL SOCIETY ARE MARIO TACCA & MARY MANCINI.

Mario and Mary will be featured in the Saturday Night Concert following the AAMS Honoree Banquet.

The Friday Night Concert will treat attendees to an Italian Experience thru Music. Enjoy a kaleidoscope of Itallian culture thru all things Italian. Music from Italian composers such as Vivaldi, Scarlatti and Frescobaldi will be interspersed with original accordion music by Italian composers such as Frosini and Berio. Frosinis arrangement of Carnival of Venice will be presented along with Folk Music from various regions of Italy. Guest Performer for this event is Fabio Turchetti , who hails from beautiful Italy will perform "MURALES"- original music composed for 3 row diatonic accordion with tributes to the Italian tradition. Also included in this program will be: Dee Langley, Joanna Darrow, Jim Vandelly, Bernie Gardzallo, Lenn Feldmann and the Westmont Accordion Club.

Saturday Night Banquet Entertainment and Concert will present Dinner Music Provided by Dr. Louis Persic, and strolling musicians Vladimir (accordion) & Annie Mollov (violin).

Saturday's Gala Concert will feature this year's Honorees and exciting duo Mario & Mary Mancini (accordion & voice) in a program titled "Music from the Heart." Vladimir Mollov of Bulgaria will perform a program of "Flavors from Europe". This program will be rounded out with a performance by the Virtuoso Accordion Winners of the MAMTG competitions and the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra directed by Stanley Darrow.

ENJOY DISPLAYS AND VENDORS
ACCORDION DISPLAYS:
ACME ACCORDION SCHOOL at the AAMS 2015!
Acme Accordion School is located in Westmont, N.J. is now in its 67th year! Acme is also the home of the famed Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra.

Founded in 1948 by the esteemed instructor and conductor Stanley Darrow, the Acme Accordion School is a prestigious music academy welcoming students from all over New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware and is considered the place for everything accordion, providing various services from instruction to repair.

Many Acme alumni have gone on to make their mark in the music industry. Acme is also part of the EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC & MOVEMENT PROGRAM - Musik Garten, a unique music, art and physical movement program where children learn certain skills and learn how to express themselves through movement while applying musical techniques.

Acme Accordion School will have sheet music, instructional guides, accordion accessories and helpful hints available for the general public. Come tap into their vast knowledge and share some stories.   Stanley and Joanna are board members of the Accorordionists and Teachers Guild Int. Joanna is also a board member of the American Accordion Association. You can contact Stanley and Joanna Darrow further by calling (856) 854-6628.

MUSIC MAGIC - ACCORDIONS USA at the AAMS 2015!
Music Magic - Accordions USA, founded by Alex Chudolij in 1997, is an authorized importer and representative of over a dozen different Italian accordion manufacturers also a source for midi systems, keyboards, amplifiers and accessories.

Alex, now a Board Member of the American Accordionists Association, started his musical career at the age of 6 studying with the renowned professor, teacher and performer Tulio Gasperini in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. During the latter part of his formal training Alex earned numerous awards in solo, band and ensemble categories at Rhode Island state competitions as well as national American Accordionists Association championships held in Pittsburgh, PA, Washington, DC and Springfield, MA.

As a teenager Alex was already making numerous concert and festival appearances, pleasing the crowds with classic showpieces and his own concert arrangements. Adulthood brought over 20 years of being a bandleader, multiple band and solo albums, and dozens of events as MC and talent scout for ethnic and international festivals.

The accordion remaining his passion, Alex has become known for honest advice, incredible knowledge of accordion styles and variety, and provides a friendly place for clients to learn about and shop for new instruments when visiting the Music Magic USA showroom in Clifton, New Jersey. You can reach Alex & Lillianna Chudolij at 888-887-0975. www.musicmagicusa.com

THE NEW ENGLAND ACCORDION MUSEUM IS COMING TO THE AAMS 2015!

Paul Ramunni, director of the New England Accordion Museum, will bring his travelling showcase filled with photographs of famous accordion players as well as an array of unique antique accordions “that tell a story” or two about their amazing past lives. Visit Paul’s display in the Performing Artists Room on Saturday and Sunday and also get information on how to visit the museum located in Canaan, C.T.
Email:ramunni@comcast.net                                                             www.newenglandaccordionmuseum.com
For more information:
Please go to aamsaccordionfestival.com to print out 2015 Registration Form, obtain Hotel Information etc.
For questions, telephone registration etc:
Call Joanna Darrow 856-854-67628
All events held at:
Hanover Marriott
1401 State Route 10 Whippany, NJ 07981 
For room reservations: 973-538-8811

Mention MAMTG to obtain a special room rate of $99.00 per night.

President's Welcome to 2015 ATG Festival

Dear ATG Members and Friends,

Welcome to ATG’s website. We‘re glad you’re here.! While you peruse the website, click on the photo above to enter our 2015 Festival page where you can find information on our upcoming 75th Anniversary Festival in Lisle (Chicago), IL, on July 22-25, 2015. The Board of Directors is working hard to prepare for this splendid Diamond Anniversary at the Hyatt Lisle. This hotel is beautiful and very accommodating. The rooms include a full breakfast buffet, free Internet and parking for $105 plus tax per single occupancy per night. We hope you will make every effort to attend and stay in the hotel as this helps us meet our minimum in order to have use of the beautiful ballroom and meeting rooms that we have so enjoyed in the past.

ATG is honored to present Yuri Shishkin, from Russia as our featured guest artist. Yuri has won numerous international competitions in Germany and Italy, including ATG’s 1990 Anthony Galla-Rini International Competition. He is a most sought after musician promoting the bayan and the accordion by doing lectures and master classes in major cities around the world and at international festivals and competitions. You will not want to miss this rare opportunity to hear Yuri in concert in the USA!

ATG welcomes Frank Petrilli and his Quartet. Frank, a native of Los Angeles, CA has been playing professionally since the age of 16. He is not only accomplished on the accordion but also on the B3 Organ and Saxophone. He has performed at many of the major accordion festivals and clubs in the U.S. as well as on TV, and on several important venues in Europe.

Our own former President and current Board member, Stas Venglevski, will also be a featured soloist during the Festival as well as performing as the soloist with the Festival Orchestra on one of his newest compositions, Rondo-Fantasy, written especially for this event. Popular Joe Natoli returns with his outstanding command of the Roland V Accordion. Many others will soon be added so keep checking the website for updates. As usual, several outstanding workshops will be announced and an always-interesting display room for instruments, music, recordings, and accessories will be set up.

Once again, ATG will have Dr. Helmi Harrington with her display of rare instruments; she will also present the lecture/demonstration of these instruments, for which she is very well-known. If you haven’t heard this, you absolutely must set aside time for it this year!

ATG wants to encourage new composers for the accordion and is featuring an original accordion composition concert on Friday afternoon. Included will be several guest artists, ensembles and the winners of the original accordion composition category offered this year. The ATG competitions provide an excellent opportunity for students to excel by preparing for a contest! ATG is offering solo, duet, and ensemble categories and even some with cash prizes. There is something for everyone. All competition rules, regulations and forms are listed under “Competition Information” tab on this website.

You will want to play a part in this year’s Festival Orchestra under the direction of Joan C. Sommers. Our goal for the Festival Orchestra is to have at least one member from every state in the union participate. You can help spread the word to all of your accordion friends throughout the USA that this very special Festival Orchestra wants them to come represent their state. Let’s see how many states we can have represented in this always popular orchestra!

Since this is a very special Festival, I anticipate that we will fill our room block very quickly, so I recommend you make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. Be sure to mention ATG when making reservations. The ATG offers many wonderful opportunities for every one of all ages and abilities, professional or amateur. You can support ATG by spreading the word! We look forward to seeing you in July!

Musically Yours,
Betty Jo Simon

Life and Music of Anthony Mecca Presentation at the CAA Feb. 22

by Rita Barnea

The next gathering of the Connecticut Accordion Association will be held at 1:00PM on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at Vasi's Restaurant, 1700 Watertown Ave., Waterbury, CT. A multimedia presentation of the life and music of Accordionist, Anthony Mecca, will be given by Bill Mecca and Don Gerundo.

The admission fee is $5.00 per person to CAA members. Non members: $10.00 per person. RSVP Marilyn at 203-272-1202 by February 21. For more information: www.CTAccordion.com.

AAA Festival July 8-12 in Alexandria, Virgina

by Rita Barnea

The 2015 American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Festival will be held from July 8-12, 2015 at the Holiday Inn Hotel, 625 First Street, in Alexandria, Virgina in Alexandria's Historic District.

The Festival will include the Maddalena Belfiore Entertainment Competition, Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Competition, and the Faithe Deffner Scholarship Competition among many other exciting concerts, workshops, and events.

Future publications will include more news. Be sure to put the date on your calendar.

For further information: www.ameraccord.com

2015 American Accordionists' Association Master Class and Concerts

by William Schimmel

Be sure to mark your calendar for the2015 American Accordionists' Association Master Class and Concert Series with Dr. William Schimmel as Moderator/Curator.

chock full o’ learnin’!
a few items to drink in - OR CHEW ON! - or eliminate

bill’s reality suite no 2:!
1. the enjoyer
2. everybody thinks it’s windy
3. the owl I thought i knew!
wist!
in all the old in between spaces
ideals
bra bra brasil ssiere
in your eyes
thankYOU Peter Gabriel (double passacaglia)
love and rage
klezbach
bachianas argentinas
mini brandenburg
(faux) toccata and fugue in d minor
a bach sandwich
a.bach reality
noah’s arch
liszt’s hungarian reality
(regards enescu)
four obereks
vonweber’a conzertstuck expedited
concertante originale
sullivan vs gilbert
scoreggia de la fuga (fart of the fugue)

it was Dr Schimmel’s former mentor, Dr. Jacob C Neupauer who used to urge us TO: “dIp our cups into the pool of knowledge” creating a New Power! It was Tammy in Tammy in the Bachelor (the movie) who expressed to a college chum that her head was exploding from “all that learnin’ “

and that’s exactly how we feel at the Seminars! Our heads explode like the old hootie owl hoots! and Hurricane Tammy - well, you know what I mean

SO... (thank you again Peter Gabriel)

here’s your chance to “dip your cup into the pool of knowledge” let it overflow and come back for more and more and more

we know the virtue of less - but ........? (shoulder shrug/hands up)

perhaps not too much or too little .......? Nahhh! - too much

It’s our 21st smash year at The Seminars:

Dates: August 7, 8 and 9, 2015
Place: Tenri Cultural Institute - 43A West 13th St - between 5 and 6th Aves
Times:Master classes at 3 PM - Concerts at 7 PM

For further information: billschimmel@billschimmel.com

Main Squeeze Orchestra Presents "A Celebration of Walter Kuhr"

by Rita Barnea

A CELEBRATION OF WALTER KUEHR is one evening of accordion-centric performers paying tribute to the unbelievable life and outsized personality of the “Accordion Evangelist of the Lower East Side.” Join friends and fans as they gather for a musical shindig that would have made the man proud.

The event takes place at Le Posson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St. New York City, 10012. Doors open at 6:PM. The show is at 7:PM.

MAIN SQUEEZE ORCHESTRA is NYC’s all-female squeezebox fantasy brought to life by the “Hugh Hefner of the accordion world”, Walter Kuehr. The band defies nerdy stereotypes of accordion music with a diverse genre-bending repertoire of cool music, and has attracted a dedicated following of fans. In a tribute to bandleader Walter Kuehr, the Main Squeeze Orchestra will play a selection of his favorite songs, including a debut performance of a new arrangement that he had in mind for the band.

Walter's fellow bandmates from THE LAST OF THE INTERNATIONAL PLAYBOYS will be performing their big band versions of Vegas jazz and Latin lounge including Walter's own swingin' compositions.

Call them stomping, scorching, rollicking or whatever you please, JOE HURLEY AND THE GENTS always deliver a good time. Playing a mix of ballads, cabaret, and rock and roll, the Gents are a New York original with their unique salty-yet-endearing style.

You'd be forgiven for thinking CORN MO & .357 LOVER were a novelty act, what with their songs about wrestling gods and Gary Busey. But behind the mutton-chops and flashy suitcoats is an infectious performer with a lung-busting vocal style who has worked with the best in the business.

“A 29 year-old bandoneon master” according to the NYTimes, JP JOFRE will bring his soulful and electrifying compositions with his NEW TANGO QUINTET, for a contemporary take on the Tango.

Magician MARCO FREZZA drove across America completely blindfolded to generate $1,000,000 in publicity for National Foster Care Month. He is funny and amazing.

Tickets $25
https://www.ticketprophet.com/events/9880/orders/new

CD Reviews

According to Amy by Amy Jo Sawyer

by Rita Barnea

CD Reviews Index for the Review of According to Amy by Amy Jo Sawyer, Accordion, in English language, reviewed by Joseph Natoli